Online Networking

Employers are extremely likely to look at social networking sites and online profiles when screening candidates. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter can either be your best friend or your worst enemy in a job and internship search.

Tips for Social Media

Keep your accounts clean, classy and on lock-down. All someone has to do is google your name…. and everything becomes clear!

Use keywords when writing profiles and emphasize industry specific jargon that will come up in a search engine.

​ LinkedIn Tips

LinkedIn is a great tool for networking, searching for jobs and internships, and researching potential industries, companies and job markets.

Establish an account, complete the profile
(headline, summary, education etc) and be prepared to use it. Nothing
looks worse than a half-hearted profile attempt with no connections and
no activity http://www.linkedin.com/

Use a professional photo, remember this is not an avenue for social connections.

Join specific groups, your university and when appropriate the alumni page.

Upload presentations, writing samples, links to websites- Anything that is a great representation of you and your work.

Facebook Tips

Even if your Facebook account is purely for social interactions, your employer will be looking.

Guilty
by association. Remember your Friends are a direct reflection on you in
the virtual world. Be mindful of the company you keep.

Follow groups, professional organizations, and companies that relate to your goals and 'Like' their pages or posts.

If
you have someone close to you that you can't 'unfriend', consider
restricting what posts come through to keep your profile professional.

Do
not air your dirty laundry in public! Never post about jobs,
colleagues, or work related situations on any social media- even if you
think your circle of friends is small. All it takes is one share for it
to go viral!

Twitter Tips

Twitter can offer a ton of useful and timely
information. These snapshots of information allow people to share
information quickly, but be warned: don't be a hasty tweeter! Always
take a moment before sending any message to think about the audience.
You might be alone and in the moment, but there is no recall button for
tweets.

Employers are now tweeting job openings and recruitment events!

Follow companies related to your career and professional goals- retweet their posts